Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method performed by a first zone player, the method comprising: receiving, via a network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via at least one data network; after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group: exchanging, via the network interface with a third zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (i) is different from its local clock time and (ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player; receiving, via the network interface from the second zone player, (i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusted clock time is based on exchanging timing information with the third zone player.
This invention relates to a system for synchronizing audio playback across multiple networked audio devices, addressing the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment in distributed audio systems. The method involves adjusting the clock time of a first audio device based on timing information exchanged with a second audio device in a different playback zone. The adjustment ensures that audio playback across the devices remains synchronized, compensating for network latency and processing delays. The timing information may include clock offsets, latency measurements, or other synchronization data. The method further involves dynamically updating the clock time of the first device to maintain alignment with the second device, even as network conditions or playback conditions change. This approach improves audio synchronization in multi-zone playback systems, reducing audible artifacts such as phase cancellation or timing mismatches. The system may be applied in smart speaker networks, home theater setups, or other distributed audio environments where precise timing is critical. The method ensures that audio streams from different devices remain in sync, enhancing the listening experience.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time comprises: engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.
This invention relates to synchronized audio playback in a multi-zone audio system, addressing the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment between distributed audio devices. The system includes at least two zone players, each maintaining an independent clock time that may drift over time. To ensure synchronized playback, the system adjusts the clock time of a first zone player based on timing information received from a second zone player. The adjusted clock time is then used to trigger playback of audio information at a predetermined future time, ensuring both zone players start playback simultaneously despite potential clock discrepancies. The method involves calculating a future time for playback initiation, adjusting the first zone player's clock to account for any drift, and initiating playback when the adjusted clock reaches the specified future time. This approach minimizes audible delays or misalignments in multi-zone audio systems, enhancing synchronization accuracy. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple audio devices must play content in perfect unison, such as home theater setups or distributed audio installations.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.
This invention relates to a multi-zone audio system where multiple audio playback devices, referred to as zone players, are synchronized for coordinated playback. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment between distributed audio devices to ensure seamless, synchronized playback across different zones. The invention involves a method for synchronizing audio playback among multiple zone players connected via at least one data network. A first zone player acts as a master, generating timing signals to coordinate playback with a second zone player. The second zone player, in turn, exchanges timing information with a third zone player to ensure synchronization between them. This hierarchical synchronization approach allows multiple zone players to maintain precise timing alignment without requiring direct communication between all devices, reducing network overhead and latency. The timing information exchanged between the second and third zone players includes synchronization data that compensates for network delays and processing differences, ensuring that audio playback remains synchronized despite variations in network conditions. This method enables large-scale, multi-zone audio systems to operate with minimal timing discrepancies, enhancing the listening experience. The system is particularly useful in home or commercial audio setups where synchronized playback across multiple rooms or areas is desired.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.
A method for synchronizing audio playback across multiple networked audio devices, referred to as zone players, addresses the challenge of maintaining precise timing in distributed audio systems. The invention ensures that audio playback starts at coordinated times across different devices, even when they operate in separate network zones or locations. This is particularly important for multi-room audio systems where synchronized playback is required. The method involves determining at least one future time for initiating audio playback on a first zone player, relative to the clock time of a third zone player. This ensures that the playback timing is synchronized across multiple devices, compensating for network delays or processing differences. The method may also include adjusting the playback timing based on network latency or other factors to maintain synchronization. By referencing the clock time of a third zone player, the system can dynamically account for variations in device clocks or network conditions, improving playback accuracy. The invention is designed for use in distributed audio systems where multiple devices must play audio in unison, such as in home entertainment setups or commercial audio installations. The method ensures that audio playback remains synchronized despite potential discrepancies in device clocks or network delays, enhancing the listening experience.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.
This invention relates to synchronized audio playback in a multi-zone audio system, addressing the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment between distributed audio devices. The system includes at least two zone players configured to play audio information in synchronization. Each zone player receives audio information and associated playback timing information, which includes multiple indicators of future times at which the zone players should engage in synchronized playback. These indicators specify exact moments when playback should start or adjust to maintain synchronization. At least one of these future times is determined relative to the clock time of a second zone player, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on the receiving device's internal timing. This approach ensures that even if network delays or clock drift occur, the system can compensate by referencing the second zone player's clock, thereby maintaining accurate synchronization across multiple zones. The method improves reliability in distributed audio systems by incorporating flexible timing references that adapt to real-world conditions.
7. Tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause a first zone player to perform functions comprising: receiving, via a network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via at least one data network; after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group: exchanging, via the network interface with a third zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (i) is different from its local clock time and (ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player; receiving, via the network interface from the second zone player, (i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.
This invention relates to synchronized audio playback in a multi-zone audio system. The problem addressed is ensuring precise timing alignment between audio devices in a networked environment, particularly when some devices are not part of the active playback group but still contribute to timing synchronization. The solution involves a first audio player (zone player) that receives a request to join a synchrony group with at least one other player for synchronized playback. The first player exchanges timing information with a third player not in the group to maintain an adjusted clock time that aligns with the third player's clock, even if it differs from the first player's local time. The first player then receives audio data and playback timing instructions from the second player, which includes a future playback time. Using the adjusted clock time and the received timing information, the first player synchronizes playback with the second player. This approach ensures accurate timing coordination across devices, even when some are external to the active playback group, improving synchronization in multi-zone audio systems.
8. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7 , wherein the adjusted clock time is based on the exchange of timing information with the third zone player.
A system for synchronizing audio playback across multiple networked audio devices, such as zone players, addresses the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment in distributed audio systems. The invention involves a method for adjusting the clock time of a first zone player to compensate for timing discrepancies with a second zone player. The adjustment is based on exchanging timing information with a third zone player, which acts as a reference or intermediary to improve synchronization accuracy. The system ensures that all zone players in a networked audio system play audio in perfect synchronization, even when network delays or other factors introduce timing errors. The method includes calculating a time offset between the first and second zone players and applying an adjustment to the first zone player's clock based on the exchanged timing data from the third zone player. This approach enhances synchronization performance by leveraging additional timing references to correct drift or latency issues in real-time audio playback. The invention is particularly useful in multi-room audio systems where seamless, synchronized playback is critical for an optimal listening experience.
9. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 8 , wherein engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time comprises: engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.
This invention relates to synchronized audio playback in multi-zone audio systems, addressing the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment between distributed audio devices. The system includes a first zone player that receives audio information and maintains an adjusted clock time, which is synchronized with a second zone player. The invention ensures that playback of the received audio information begins simultaneously in both devices by comparing the adjusted clock time of the first zone player to a predefined future time. When the adjusted clock time reaches or exceeds this future time, the first zone player initiates synchronous playback with the second zone player. This method compensates for network delays and clock drift, ensuring that audio streams start at the same moment across multiple zones. The system may also include additional zone players, each maintaining their own adjusted clock times and engaging in synchronized playback based on the same or different future times. The invention improves audio synchronization in distributed playback environments, particularly in multi-room or multi-device audio systems where precise timing is critical.
10. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7 , wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.
This invention relates to a multi-zone audio system where multiple audio playback devices, referred to as zone players, are synchronized for coordinated playback. The problem addressed is ensuring precise timing alignment between zone players to avoid audio delays or desynchronization, particularly when multiple devices are playing the same audio content. The system includes at least three zone players, each capable of wireless communication via a data network. The first zone player acts as a master, controlling playback timing for the second and third zone players. The second zone player is configured to receive timing information from the first zone player and adjust its playback accordingly. The third zone player is further configured to exchange timing information with the second zone player, enabling bidirectional synchronization between the second and third zone players. This exchange ensures that all zone players remain synchronized even if communication with the master is intermittent or delayed. The timing information may include clock signals, latency compensation data, or other synchronization metadata to maintain alignment across the network. The system improves audio playback consistency in multi-device environments, such as home entertainment or public address systems.
11. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7 , wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.
A system and method for managing audio playback in a multi-zone audio system involves synchronizing playback across multiple audio devices, referred to as zone players, each operating in different time zones. The system addresses the challenge of coordinating playback schedules across devices located in different geographic regions, ensuring that scheduled audio events occur at the correct local times for each device. The invention includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a zone player to determine a first future time for an audio event based on a clock time of the zone player in a third time zone. The system accounts for time zone differences by adjusting playback schedules dynamically, allowing users to schedule audio events that align with their local time preferences. The method involves calculating the first future time relative to the zone player's clock time, ensuring that the audio event is triggered at the correct local time regardless of the device's geographic location. This approach enhances user experience by maintaining synchronization and consistency in playback timing across distributed audio devices.
12. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7 , wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.
This invention relates to synchronized audio playback in a multi-zone audio system. The problem addressed is ensuring precise synchronization of audio playback across multiple devices, particularly when those devices may have different internal clocks or network latencies. The solution involves using playback timing information that includes multiple future time indicators for synchronized playback between at least two zone players. These indicators specify when the devices should start or adjust playback to maintain synchronization. At least one of these future times is relative to the clock time of a second zone player, allowing for adjustments based on the receiving device's timing rather than relying solely on a central clock. This approach helps compensate for clock drift or network delays, ensuring that audio playback remains synchronized across the system. The timing information is stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, allowing the system to reference it for playback coordination. The invention improves upon existing synchronization methods by providing flexible timing adjustments based on individual device clocks, enhancing reliability in distributed audio systems.
13. A first zone player comprising: a network interface that is configured to communicatively couple the first zone player to at least one data network; a local clock that is configured to provide a clock time of the first zone player; at least one processor; a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and program instructions stored on the tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium that are executable by the at least one processor such that the first zone player is configured to: receive, via the network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network; after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group: exchange, via the network interface with a third zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (i) is different from its local clock time and (ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player; receive, via the network interface from the second zone player, (i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.
A system for synchronizing audio playback across multiple networked devices involves a first zone player that communicates with other zone players to ensure coordinated playback of audio content. The first zone player includes a network interface for connecting to a data network, a local clock for tracking time, and a processor executing program instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The system allows the first zone player to join a synchrony group with at least one other zone player for synchronized playback. To achieve synchronization, the first zone player exchanges timing information with a third zone player that is not part of the synchrony group. This exchange adjusts the first zone player's clock time to match the third zone player's clock time, even if it differs from the first zone player's local clock. The first zone player then receives audio content and playback timing information from a second zone player in the synchrony group, which includes a specified future time for synchronized playback. Using the adjusted clock time and the received timing information, the first zone player plays the audio content in sync with the second zone player. This approach ensures precise timing alignment across devices, even when some devices are not directly involved in the playback group.
14. The first zone player of claim 13 , wherein the adjusted clock time is based on the exchange of timing information with the third zone player.
A system for synchronizing audio playback across multiple networked audio devices, known as zone players, addresses the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment in distributed audio systems. The system includes a first zone player that communicates with a second zone player to establish a synchronized playback schedule. The first zone player adjusts its clock time based on timing information exchanged with a third zone player, ensuring that all devices remain synchronized. This adjustment compensates for network delays and processing variations, allowing seamless audio playback across multiple devices. The system may also involve the first zone player receiving timing information from the second zone player, which itself may have adjusted its clock time based on interactions with other devices. The synchronization process accounts for latency and drift, ensuring that audio streams from different devices remain in phase. This approach is particularly useful in multi-room audio systems where multiple speakers must play audio content simultaneously without noticeable delays or misalignment. The system enhances audio fidelity and user experience by maintaining precise synchronization across all participating devices.
15. The first zone player of claim 14 , wherein the program instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the first zone player is configured to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player comprise program instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the first zone player is configured to: after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of given audio content as part of the synchrony group, engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.
This invention relates to synchronized audio playback systems, specifically improving synchronization between networked audio devices. The problem addressed is ensuring precise timing alignment during multi-device audio playback, which is challenging due to network latency and clock drift between devices. The solution involves a first audio playback device (zone player) that adjusts its internal clock to compensate for timing discrepancies before initiating synchronized playback with a second device. After receiving a request to join a synchronized playback group, the first device waits until its adjusted clock reaches a predetermined future time before starting playback. This ensures both devices begin playing the same audio content simultaneously, despite potential timing differences. The system maintains synchronization by continuously adjusting the clock of the first device to match the timing of the second device, allowing seamless multi-device audio playback without audible delays or misalignment. The invention is particularly useful in home audio systems where multiple speakers must play in unison.
16. The first zone player of claim 13 , wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.
This invention relates to a multi-zone audio system where multiple zone players synchronize audio playback across different zones. The problem addressed is ensuring precise timing synchronization between zone players to avoid audio delays or desynchronization when playing the same content in different zones. The system includes a first zone player that communicates with a second zone player and a third zone player over at least one data network. The first zone player is configured to receive audio content and distribute it to the second and third zone players. The second zone player is configured to play the audio content in a first zone, while the third zone player is configured to play the audio content in a second zone. The third zone player is further configured to exchange timing information with the second zone player via the data network to facilitate time synchronization between them. This ensures that audio playback in both zones remains synchronized, preventing delays or misalignment. The system may use wireless or wired networks for communication and synchronization, allowing flexible deployment in home or commercial environments. The invention improves audio playback consistency in multi-zone setups by dynamically adjusting timing between devices.
17. The first zone player of claim 13 , wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.
This invention relates to a multi-zone audio system where multiple zone players synchronize playback across different zones. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate timing and coordination of audio playback in a distributed system, particularly when accounting for network delays or clock discrepancies between devices. The system includes a first zone player that communicates with a second and third zone player to coordinate audio playback. The first zone player determines at least one future time for initiating playback in the second zone player, where this future time is relative to the clock time of the third zone player. This ensures that playback across multiple zones remains synchronized, even if the devices have different internal clocks or experience network latency. The first zone player may also adjust playback timing based on network conditions or user preferences, ensuring seamless audio transitions between zones. The system may further include mechanisms for compensating for processing delays or buffering times in the zone players to maintain synchronization. The invention improves the reliability and precision of multi-zone audio playback in smart home or distributed audio systems.
18. The first zone player of claim 13 , wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.
This invention relates to synchronized audio playback systems, specifically addressing challenges in coordinating multiple audio devices to play audio in unison. The system includes at least two zone players (audio playback devices) that receive audio information and playback timing information to ensure synchronized playback. The playback timing information contains multiple indicators of future times when the devices should start or adjust playback to maintain synchronization. At least one of these future times is based on the clock time of a second zone player, allowing for dynamic adjustments relative to the receiving device's internal clock. This approach helps compensate for network delays, clock drift, or other timing discrepancies between devices, ensuring seamless synchronized playback across multiple audio zones. The system may also include mechanisms for the first zone player to transmit timing information to the second zone player, enabling real-time synchronization adjustments. The invention improves audio playback synchronization in multi-device environments, particularly in smart home or multi-room audio systems.
19. A system comprising a first zone player, a second zone player, and a third zone player, wherein the first, second, and third zone players are communicatively coupled via at least one data network, wherein the first zone player is configured to perform functions comprising: (1) receiving, via a network interface at the first zone player, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least the second zone player, (2) after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group: (A) exchanging, via the network interface with the third zone player, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (A-i) is different from its local clock time and (A-ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player; (B) receiving, via the network interface from the second zone player, (B-i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (B-ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and (C) engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.
This system involves a multi-zone audio playback system designed to synchronize audio playback across multiple networked devices, addressing challenges in maintaining precise timing alignment between devices in a synchrony group while also coordinating with an external device not part of the group. The system includes three zone players connected via a data network. The first zone player receives a request to join a synchrony group with the second zone player for synchronized audio playback. To achieve synchronization, the first zone player exchanges timing information with a third zone player, which is not part of the synchrony group. This exchange allows the first zone player to adjust its local clock time to match the third zone player's clock time, ensuring time synchronization between the first and third zone players. The first zone player then receives audio content and playback timing information from the second zone player, including a specified future time for synchronized playback. Using the adjusted clock time and the received timing information, the first zone player synchronizes playback with the second zone player. This approach enables precise audio synchronization while incorporating timing adjustments from an external device, enhancing coordination in multi-zone audio systems.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the adjusted clock time is based on the exchange of timing information with the third zone player.
A system for synchronizing audio playback across multiple networked audio devices, such as zone players, addresses the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment in distributed audio systems. The system includes a first zone player that generates an initial clock time for audio playback and a second zone player that receives this clock time. To improve synchronization accuracy, the second zone player adjusts its local clock time based on timing information exchanged with a third zone player. This adjustment compensates for network delays, processing latencies, or other timing discrepancies that may arise during audio playback. The third zone player may act as a reference point or intermediary, providing additional timing data to refine the synchronization process. By dynamically adjusting the clock time using information from multiple devices, the system ensures that all zone players remain synchronized, even in the presence of network variability or environmental factors. This approach enhances audio playback quality in multi-device setups, particularly in applications requiring tight synchronization, such as multi-room audio systems or coordinated sound reinforcement.
21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the first zone player engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time comprises the first zone player engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.
This invention relates to a multi-zone audio playback system designed to synchronize audio playback across multiple devices. The problem addressed is ensuring precise timing alignment between audio devices in different zones to avoid playback delays or desynchronization, which can degrade audio quality. The system includes at least two zone players, each maintaining an adjusted clock time derived from a reference clock. The first zone player receives audio information and a first future time, which serves as a target playback time. When the adjusted clock time of the first zone player reaches or exceeds this future time, it initiates synchronous playback with the second zone player. This ensures that both devices start playback simultaneously, minimizing latency and maintaining synchronization. The system may also include a controller that coordinates playback between the zone players, adjusting clock times to account for network delays or processing differences. The adjusted clock time is used to compensate for any discrepancies between the internal clocks of the devices, ensuring that playback remains synchronized even if the devices have slightly different clock speeds or drift over time. This approach allows for seamless, high-quality audio playback across multiple zones in a networked environment.
22. The system of claim 19 , wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.
This invention relates to a multi-zone audio system where multiple audio playback devices, referred to as zone players, are synchronized for coordinated playback. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment between distributed audio devices across a network, ensuring seamless and synchronized audio playback across different zones. The system includes at least three zone players, each capable of playing audio content independently or in synchronization with others. The third zone player is specifically configured to exchange timing information with the second zone player over a data network. This timing information enables precise synchronization between the second and third zone players, ensuring that audio playback remains aligned in time. The timing exchange may involve clock signals, synchronization packets, or other time-related data to minimize latency and drift between devices. This synchronization mechanism allows the system to maintain coherent audio playback across multiple zones, even when devices are physically separated or connected via different network paths. The system may also include additional synchronization features, such as master-slave configurations or peer-to-peer timing adjustments, to further enhance playback coordination. The overall solution improves the reliability and quality of synchronized multi-zone audio playback in networked environments.
23. The system of claim 19 , wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.
A system for managing audio playback in a multi-zone audio system includes a first zone player configured to play audio content and a second zone player configured to play the same audio content. The system synchronizes playback between the zone players to ensure coordinated audio output. The system also includes a third zone player that can be dynamically added to the synchronized playback group. The third zone player receives timing information from the first or second zone player to align its playback with the existing synchronized group. The system further includes a mechanism to determine at least one future time for playback adjustments, where the future time is relative to the clock time of the third zone player. This ensures that the third zone player can accurately join the synchronized playback without causing audio disruptions. The system may also include user interfaces or control mechanisms to manage the addition of zone players and adjust playback settings. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining synchronized audio playback when dynamically adding new devices to an existing synchronized group, ensuring seamless integration without audio delays or misalignments.
24. The system of claim 19 , wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.
This invention relates to a multi-zone audio playback system designed to synchronize audio playback across multiple devices. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining precise synchronization between audio devices in different zones, particularly when network latency or clock discrepancies exist. The system includes at least two zone players configured to receive audio information and playback timing information. The timing information contains multiple indicators of future times at which the zone players should engage in synchronous playback. At least one of these future times is relative to the clock time of a second zone player, allowing for adjustments based on the receiving device's local timing. This approach ensures that playback remains synchronized despite variations in network conditions or device clocks. The system may also include a controller that coordinates playback timing and manages synchronization across multiple zones. The invention improves audio playback consistency in multi-device environments, enhancing the listening experience in smart home or distributed audio systems.
Unknown
August 18, 2020
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